Selecting the Best Air Purifier
Choosing the best air purifier for you and your family can be a
daunting task. There is an influx of misinformation and down right
deception regarding air purifiers. Some manufacturers claim
miraculous results from their products that are simply too good to
be true. However, there are devices available that will
effectively reduce allergens and other irritants from your home.
As with any purchase, becoming an informed consumer is your best
defense against substandard products.
There are six basic types of air purifiers on the market today.
They include HEPA,
HEPA-like, ULPA, electrostatically charged,
ionic, and ozone (sometimes referred to as activated oxygen).
Ozone models are not appropriate under any circumstances.
In fact, California is introducing legislation to ban the sale of ozone air
purifiers within the state, because of the potential health risks
associated with the devices. The other options all have certain
pluses and minuses that should be considered prior to purchase.
HEPA or high-efficiency particulate arrestance filters meet strict
requirements set forth by the Institute for Environmental
Standards. The filter will have a certified stamp, if it is a true
HEPA. The filter must be able to capture 99.97% of the particles
in the air that are 0.3 microns or larger. Although some
manufactures would like you to believe that their air purifiers
will reduces indoor pollutants by 99.97%, this is not the case.
However, these air purifiers are very effective for removing
pollen, dander, and other contaminants. You should look for air
purifiers that offer a multi-level filtration system with a
pre-filter, carbon area, and HEPA for optimal results and to
increase the longevity of the HEPA filter. HEPA like products are
substandard. Manufacturers that offer lower-end air purifiers in
an attempt to gain consumer trust use this term.
ULPA air purifiers use an ultra HEPA filter, which is designed to
remove particles that are 0.3 microns or smaller. The filter is
manufactured to capture 99.999% of all particulates. These systems
are used in clean rooms and hospitals, but are not cost effective
for the average consumer. Mass produced ULPA air purifiers lose
most of their capability to trap small particulates under 0.3
microns. Therefore, they are comparable to HEPA systems, but will
cost considerably more.
Electrostatically charged air purifiers use positive or negative
charges that cause particles to stick to other objects. With
standard models the particles will stick to furniture, walls,
carpets, and any other object within a room. Although they are
very efficient in the beginning, the eventual loss of the static
charge reduces the ability to properly purify the air.
Electrostatically charged air purifiers with precipitators work in
a similar way. However, these models use an ionic charge that
causes the particles to stick to the oppositely charged metal
plates within the device. In order to be effective, the plates
must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Ionic air purifiers are somewhat controversial. Most of these
devices do not have a way to trap the charged particles that are
released. When inhaled into the lungs, they could pose a potential
hazard. In addition, few of the models move air with fans, which
make them ineffective. Basically, do your research beforehand and
determine the right model for your needs.
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